It was a cute story. It wasn't her best and was pretty predictable from beginning to end. I didn't really care for the constant deluge of the self righteous moral pushing she did in this book. I haven't read LMA for sometime but I don't remember her other books being as preachy as this one. ( )

This classic romance, set in England, was written back in the day (1869) for younger folks, geared especially towards young girls, who, today, would probably vomit at all this upright, old-fashioned morality. Personally, I like old-fashioned ways.

Polly is the old-fashioned girl, but also a strong female character, in this novel. She was from a poor family, but her family was very close and loving. She learned at an early age that "a kind little thought, an unselfish little act, a cheery little word, are so sweet and comfortable, that no one can fail to feel their beauty and love the giver, no matter how small they are." (p. 31) You see Polly living by this one rule of thought throughout the novel.

When Polly first visited her friend, Fanny, she did feel a bit out of sorts at times because of their fine house and the fine gowns Fanny wore around all of her other snarky little friends. Fanny was constantly trying to dress Polly up so she wouldn't be embarrassed of her friend's plain dresses. But, Polly refused to be anything other than what she was. This attracted Fanny's brother, Tom, who, of course, thought this refreshing to see, and eventually earned respect from Fanny.

Polly wasn't one to even date or show more than just friendship between her and male friends. The one time she did cave and play the game, it hurt a few of her friends. Fanny was hurt because she happened to be interested in the one guy Polly was flirting with, when she really was only interested in Tom. And the recipient of the flirtatious act was being fooled into believing there was a growing relationship. This didn't sit well with Polly, so she ended it to save her friendship with Fanny, and to avoid hurting the guys heart.

Tom and Polly's friendship would grow through good times, and especially through bad times. Polly stuck by Tom's side, as his friend, as he continued to make bad decisions in life, but only because she could see he had such a good, kind heart. When Tom and Fanny's dad lost his business and they had to downsize, Polly was there offering a supportive role, whereas, most of their high-falutin' friends became scarce. Tom, who had been kicked out of college and foolishly threw away his father's money, and became so far in debt himself, was so ashamed of himself that he promised Polly he would make things right by all. He left for the west (California) to work for Polly's brother and to pay off his debts. When Tom returns home for a visit is when their long-time love is discovered. Yes, a typical romance story, but I did find myself happy and pulling for them, even without all the sexual innuendos found in today's novels. ( )

This was a charming story, nice for spinning away a lazy day. Polly, the main character was almost a little too good -- it seems she had to have all the best of all four of the March girls[1] without an equally large helping of their follies -- but was just far enough from perfect to make her a likable character. Nothing too exciting happened, but the story and characters were enjoyable.

[1] Like Jo, she is jolly and likes vigorous activity, like Beth she is sweet and sympathetic, she has an artistic skill like Amy(musical talent), and she has Meg's skills to make a comfortable home. ( )

3/31/22

I'm not someone who typically enjoys rereading books, but An Old-Fashioned Girl is one of the rare novels that I come back to again and again and again. The story is simple and charming and sweetly romantic, populated with people I would like to know and who I enjoy following from childhood to adulthood. They're not perfect, but they're goodhearted and while not unafraid to do so, they still face their flaws honestly. Although written more than a century ago, Louisa May Alcott's lessons on the acts and attitudes that "render home what it should be---a happy place where parents and children, brothers and sisters, learn to love and know and help one another" still ring true for me every time. ( )